This course presents a cross-cultural, multi-cultural examination of the forms and functions of supernatural belief systems and associated rituals that have developed in various societies in the Americas. Basic ethnographic and archaeological concepts and methodologies will be introduced and applied to the assessment and analysis of selected New World cultural/religious traditions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding religious belief systems within their given social contexts. The course will also provide a comparative assessment of the major prehistoric and historic social and religious patterns that developed in the Americas. CSU, UC